MALE: forewing length 19–21 mm (n = 5): Differs from the nominotypical subspecies in the following respects: broad, faint, iridescent bluish-lilac reflection between the ventral forewing postdiscal band and the umbra is absent (but see also below).

FEMALE: forewing length 21–22 mm (n = 4): Differs from the nominotypical subspecies by the same ventral forewing character provided for the male.

As explained under the variation section under the genus, the absence of the bluish-lilac reflection on the ventral forewing is consistent in specimens from western Colombia and western Ecuador. However, this character appears in a few specimens from Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua (e.g., FLMNH-MGCL 208036, 257145, 263067), although the degree of reflection is variable.

HOLOTYPE ♂: // ECUADOR: Esmeraldas, W Maldonado–Selva Alegre rd., El Cerro 235 m, 0°58'22"N,78°55'19"W 21, 25.vii.2011, K. Willmott, & J. Hall FLMNH-MGCL-151127 // DNA voucher LEP-09931 // (FLMNH, to be deposited in INABIO). (Fig. 2k).

(244 ♂, 104 ♀). See Appendix for the data of these specimens. These specimens are not included in the type series as labelling will likely not be completed for over 300 specimens.

This species-group name is based on the Greek adjective “adelos”, meaning “indistinct” or “inconspicuous”, in reference to its lack of bluish reflection on the ventral forewing. This species-group name is treated as a Latinized feminine adjective in accordance with the feminine generic name.

(Fig. 6). This subspecies occurs from Nicaragua to western Ecuador.